Make It From Scratch: Slow-Cooker Beans

This is part of a new series - things that you may currently purchase, however, you really can make them from scratch.

In our busy lives it's difficult to find time to prep things from scratch, but sometimes it's worthwhile. My purpose of this series is to share with you items that we've tried and liked so that you can either try them yourself to see if they fit into your lifestyle, or admire the photos and pin them for "someday". :) For instance, homemade butter. My husband and I made it a few times and I've shown how to make it {and I'll be updating the post soon}. It's not something we will make regularly, but now we know how to make it and will continue to do so {if time permits} for special occasions.

I admit I have about 8 cans of beans in my pantry as I type this. I've made them and put them in the freezer in the past, and have gotten out of the habit. I'm trying to make it habit again because it is SO VERY simple and they freeze amazingly so you can make a big batch every month or two.

One of the issues I've had with making beans is that I forget to soak them. When cooked in a slow-cooker, this isn't as critical because a slow-cooker cooks them nice and slow which means melt-in-your-mouth-like-butter beans. That being said, if you or your family have intestinal issues {i.e. gas} from un-soaked beans, then definitely don't skip that step.

What I'm going to say next is very controversial amongst bean lovers....... prepare yourself. Here it goes. I add a pinch of salt to my beans prior to cooking. Yup, I admit it. Here's the thing. I read in Cook's Illustrated some time back that it can help prevent blow-out beans and sure enough, since I've been doing this, I haven't suffered the terrible blow-out. Apparently there are many who state salt added to beans prior to cooking can make them tough. I have never had this issue so I'm keeping my rebellion and using salt. All kidding aside, try it if you'd like or skip it if you don't.

The night before {optional}: Rinse the beans under cool water and pick out any shriveled bits. Add to a bowl large enough for the beans and soaking water and let soak overnight, if desired, in water to completely cover. Drain beans in the morning and discard soaking water before cooking.

Transfer the beans to the slow-cooker. Add any extras and cover by about 2 inches with cool water. Add salt and stir to dissolve. Place lid on slow-cooker and cook on low 6-8 hours.

Cool, remove extras if needed, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer {I separate mine into serving size portions} up to 3 months.

*For your first time using your slow-cooker for cooking beans OR a new type of bean, check after 5 hours, and every half hour or so until they are cooked to desired texture.*

**If you are cooking Red Kidney Beans in a slow-cooker, boil first for 10 minutes prior to adding to the slow-cooker to neutralize a toxin they contain, phytohemagglutinen, which is known to cause acute intestinal stress.**

1 comment

I add salt to mine too! I'd always read that it would make the beans tough, but I haven't found that at all. I soak mine overnight, or if I forget, do a "quick" soak, during the day for 6 hours. Just pour them into a bowl, add water, and go about my day. Works great.We often cook our beans in the crockpot and it sure makes life easier. You are SO right that they store well in the freezer, so doing a big batch is really worthwhile.

Welcome! Life At Cobble Hill Farm is a simple living blog that chronicles our journey from leaving the city, quitting the rat race, and living a simple and fulfilled life on our little piece of paradise (less than an acre) in Upstate NY. Our days are filled with cooking from scratch, making soap & skincare (that's our homestead business), gardening & preserving the harvest, caring for our flock of chickens, and enjoying a slower daily rhythm.We hope this provides you resources and encouragement to finding your own version of the good life. Thank you for following along with our adventures.-Staci

Floating Social Icons

Affiliate Disclosure

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. LifeAtCobbleHillFarm.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased at no additional cost to you. LifeAtCobbleHillFarm.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Blog Archive

Browse through all the blog posts over the years

view all

Sign-up to have new posts delivered right to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe at any time.

Email Address *

First Name

Join Us On Instagram

By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the disclosure policy and privacy policy.

The information on this website is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to substitute for obtaining professional financial and/or medical advice. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Nothing on this website implies a consulting or coaching relationship. Life At Cobble Hill Farm is not liable for how the information is used and cannot be held responsible or guarantee any results.